Thursday, June 10, 2010

Raj Mahal, Orchaa

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times.

One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Raj Mahal. Work on the Raja Mahal was started by Raja Rudra Pratap, and is completed by his predecessor Madhukar Shah one of the most prominent rulers of Orchha.


The outer courtyard has some beautiful arches arranged in floral patterns and carved out in lime mortar.

It is a fine example of Mughal architecture with typical stone lattice work. The palace is in the shape of a perfect square that is further divided into two courtyards. The main courtyard is flanked by the palace which has a four-story building at one end of it. The other three sides have five-story apartments.

It has raised balconies and interlocking walkways rise in symmetrical tiers on all four sides, crowned by domed pavilions and turrets.

48 comments:

Al said...

Incredible, the architecture is very impressive. Where I live, a building is considered old if it's been standing for 50 years.

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Incredible and so impressive monument!

Kavita Saharia said...

Madhya-Pradesh is surely going to be in my travel wish-list...i would love to walk on these walkways and smell as much as history that i could.Wonderful post with brilliant pictures.Have a nice day!

Tussy said...

Beautiful place, nice shot.

Zuzana said...

Wow, this is really imposing. I love the arched entrances. The last picture with people in front, illustrates so well the size of the fort.
xoxo

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hello Rajesh:)

I enjoyed the tour of this magnificent palace with your excellent narration and lovely photos.

In fact I am learning a lot of Indian history from you.

Have a nice day:)
Joseph

Sylvia K said...

Magnificent captures as always, Rajesh! Such an interesting post! How I would love to travel there! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Sylvia

MaR said...

Beautiful architecture and pictures!!


skywatch

Kcalpesh said...

Interesting Structure, Nice Place and Great Captures!!

Pixellicious Photos

Regina said...

Magnificent fort.
Thank you for the tour.
Happy SWF. Enjoy your weekend.

Tammie Lee said...

I will always enjoy the ornate quality to these buildings.

Owlfarmer said...

It's wonderful to see examples of Mughal architecture other than the standard fare. These are really interesting shots, and thanks for the background on the region.

Tara said...

Beautiful structures and so filled with culture...

Carver said...

Such an interesting fort. I like all the arches and windows.

Arija said...

Such immense riches of historical architecture you show us week by week is astonishing.

Anonymous said...

amazing how properly preserved they are.

Tania said...

Wonderful! I love the last one. Great buildings.
Have a nice weekend:-)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

As always, your posts astound me. Such beautiful architecture, such a beautiful location. We have so much to learn!

joo said...

As usually I'm impressed!

LifeRamblings said...

love the arches and the palace looks like a wonderful place to explore.

Ms. Gibson said...

The stone lattice work is amazing.

sm said...

architecture is very impressive
good shots

Kim, USA said...

This building is magnificent dating back to 16th century I couldn't almost believe it. Happy Friday!


SkyWatchFriday

eden said...

Beautiful shots. Thank you for sharing, Rajesh. I always enjoyed every visit here.

SandyCarlson said...

So many layers and levels reaching toward the heavens!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Rajesh: It is a wonderful fort.

Hildred said...

Such magnificent architecture and what a lot of history must be wrapped up in these beautiful buildings.

LadyFi said...

Imagine being a kid and playing hide and seek in those wonderful balconies!

Verna Luga said...

Great place to see... Have a nice day Rajesh!
Skywatch Friday HERE

myonlyphoto said...

Beautiful structures and places again. It is amazing that we human kind been very busy in the past thousands of years building these amazing structures. Anna :)

magiceye said...

imposing!

Mridula said...

Good to see Orchha again.

Unseen Rajasthan said...

Beautiful and lovely !!Amazing !!Unseen Rajasthan

Pearl Maple said...

Great photos, amazing when you see people in the foreground and really understand how big they are.

jabblog said...

I am constantly impressed and awestruck by the workmanship and detail in these grand old buildings.

indicaspecies said...

These old palaces are magnificent and their history as interesting! I'm so glad I've had an opportunity to personallly experience these..thank you for rekindling some great memories.

Lowell said...

I think one could spend a couple of weeks just wandering about in this place! Interesting how rulers all over the world have built these magnificent palaces for themselves...but didn't have much concern for the people they ruled.

Ezhilan said...

The architecture and the carvings of the arches are splendid. Nice captures!

radha said...

Very majestic.

Anonymous said...

I love the architecture. The buildings do tell a lot of stories. Those arches that identify with buildings in India deserves recognition.

Unknown said...

I can imagine the daily life in these palaces 3 or 4 centuries ago!

George said...

Thanks for sharing this imposing palace with us. Your last picture shows how magnificent the building truly is.

Chandrika Shubham said...

Thanks for sharing beautiful pics and nice discription. :)

Janie said...

Great photos of the architecture of this historic structure.

Rajesh said...

Al: Thanks, here old is centuries old and historic.

Phivos, Rakesh, CafebyJW, Zuzana, Joseph, Mar, Kcalpesh, Regina, Tammie, Dharma, Owlfarmer, Carver, Arija, ewok1993, Spiderdama: Thanks for the appreciation.

Kavita, Sylvia, Jacob: Thanks, it is very nicee place with lot to be seen.

Sallie, Joo, Life, Gibson, sm, Kim, Eden, Sandy, Fishing Guy, Charles, LadyFi, Vernz, Anna, Deepak, Mridula, Bharath, Pearl, Janice: Thanks for the appreciation.

Celine: Thanks, I am glad I could refresh your memories.

Arasu, Radha, JM, George, Chandrika, Janie: Thanks for the appreciation.

Sudhir R said...

Just one word, Magnificient

Jeevan said...

Loved the entry view with a balcony!

Rajesh said...

Sudhir, Jeevan: Thanks for the appreciation.